What is the ‘Paracetamol Challenge’?

A social media craze is currently sweeping the country - but it isn't as harmless as CharlieCharlieChallenge, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, or even Neck Nominations.

The craze - which is becoming popular with youngsters - encourages participants to take large amounts of over-the-counter medication, particularly painkillers and paracetamol.

Children across the UK are being warned not to take part in the potentially lethal challenge which is being spread via social media.

Where did it start?

The first cases are believed to have happened in Ayrshire, Scotland, and reportedly led to one teenager ending up in hospital.

Even a small overdose of painkillers can cause serious health problems, medics warn.

Parents are being urged to keep an eye on their children’s social media profiles for any sign of them taking part in the game.

Alan Ward, head of schools at East Ayrshire Council, said he was first contacted by police in March.

He told The Scotsman: “The challenge results in young people daring each other, through Instagram and Facebook, to take excessive amounts of paracetamol and this is a matter of great concern.

“We are urging parents to talk to their children about the potential dangers of taking paracetamol and to discourage their children from engaging in any online activity in support of this dangerous craze.”

What to do if you take too much

If you accidentally take an extra dose of paracetamol, you should miss out the next dose so that you do not take more than the recommended maximum dose for a 24-hour period.

If you are concerned or you feel unwell, contact your GP or call NHS 111.

If you have taken more than the recommended maximum dose of paracetamol, go to accident and emergency (A&E) immediately. Taking too much paracetamol may result in liver damage. This can cause nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting (being sick) that lasts around 24 hours.